Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Applies to these editions of Windows 7

In this page

Important

As of April 8, 2014, technical support for Windows XP and Windows XP Mode is no longer available, including updates that help protect your PC. This means that if you continue to use Windows XP or use Windows XP Mode on a Windows 7 PC after support ends, your PC might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Therefore, to keep your Windows 7 PC secure after support ends, we recommend that you only use Windows XP Mode if your PC is disconnected from the Internet. Learn more about
Windows XP end of support.

Using Windows XP Mode, you can run programs that were designed for Windows XP on computers running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions. Windows XP Mode isn't supported on Windows 8.

Programs can run in both Windows XP Mode and in Windows 7.

How does Windows XP Mode work?

Windows XP Mode works in two ways—both as a virtual operating system and as a way to open programs within Windows 7. It runs in a separate window on the Windows 7 desktop, much like a program, except it's a fully-functional, fully-licensed version of Windows XP. In Windows XP Mode, you can access your physical computer's CD/DVD drive, install programs, save files, and perform other tasks as if you were using a computer running Windows XP.

When you install a program in Windows XP Mode, the program appears in both the Windows XP Mode list of programs and in the Windows 7 list of programs, so you can open the program directly from Windows 7.

Programs installed in Windows XP Mode in the Windows 7 Start menu

Notes

The majority of programs compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP run well in Windows 7. If a program doesn't, first try the Program Compatibility troubleshooter. It's included in all editions of Windows 7. For more information, see Open the Program Compatibility troubleshooter.

Some hardware and devices that work in Windows 7 might not be detected or work in Windows XP Mode.

Windows XP Mode was primarily designed to help businesses move from Windows XP to Windows 7. It isn't optimized for graphic-intensive programs such as 3D games, nor is it well suited for programs with hardware requirements such as TV tuners.

If you're playing music or video in Windows XP Mode using Windows Media Player, and you maximize or minimize the Windows XP Mode window, Windows Media Player will stop playing. To resume playback, click the Play button
in Windows Media Player.

Before you begin

In order to use Windows XP Mode, you need to make sure your computer meets certain system requirements, otherwise Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode won't work correctly, even though you might be able to download and install them. Before you begin, follow these steps:

If you receive an error message saying "Hardware-assisted virtualization is disabled," this means your computer supports hardware-assisted virtualization, but you need to change settings in your computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) to turn on hardware-assisted virtualization. Procedures to turn on virtualization settings in your computer's BIOS vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer. Check the information that came with your computer or go to the computer manufacturer's website.

Warning

Be careful when changing BIOS settings. The BIOS interface is designed for advanced users, and it's possible to make a change that could prevent your computer from starting correctly. For more information, see BIOS: frequently asked questions.

Click Continue and follow the instructions on the screen to validate your copy of Windows 7.

Select a version of Windows Virtual PC to install and click Install.

Note: The x64 version works with 64-bit versions of Windows 7. The x86 version works with 32-bit versions of Windows 7. To find out if your PC is running 32- or 64-bit Windows 7, click the Start button , right-click Computer, and then click Properties. 32-bit and 64-bit information appears next to System type.

Click Run in your browser's message bar, and follow the instructions on the screen.

Click Yes to install Update for Windows (KB958559).

If you accept the license terms, click I Accept.

After installation is complete, click Restart Now to restart your computer.

If you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.

On the Installation folder and credentials page, accept the default location where Windows XP Mode files will be stored, or choose a new location.

Type a password, type it again to confirm it, and then click Next.

On the Help protect your computer page, decide whether you want to help protect your computer by turning on automatic updates, and then click Next.

Click Start Setup.

After setup is complete, Windows XP Mode opens in a separate window.

Warning

Antivirus software isn't included with Windows XP Mode. Even if your computer running Windows 7 already has antivirus software, you should also install antivirus software in Windows XP Mode to help defend your computer against viruses.

In Windows XP Mode, insert the program's installation disc into your computer's CD/DVD drive; or browse to the program's installation file, open the file, and follow the instructions to install the program.

Installing a program in Windows XP Mode

Click the Close button at the top of the Windows XP Mode window.

In Windows 7, click the Start button , click Windows Virtual PC, click Windows XP Mode Applications, and then click the program you want to open.

Note

If the Windows XP Mode window is open when you try opening a program in Windows XP Mode from Windows 7, you'll be prompted to close the virtual machine. Be sure to save any data you want to keep in Windows XP Mode before closing it.